Summary:
Rapid global changes are being ignored in Lisbon.
European leaders are confronted with their countries' fragility by the U.S.
The Social State in Europe is under threat due to resource mismanagement.
A European army is impractical; countries must strengthen their own defenses.
The European Commission aims to reduce administrative costs for businesses significantly.
The Changing World and Lisbon's Stagnation
The world is changing rapidly, and it can be frightening. However, in Lisbon, discussions revolve around trivial matters while hoping for salvation from the EU once again.
European Sovereignty at Risk
Every week brings a new surprise, often worse than the last, for our European comfort. States have relinquished their sovereignty, relying on the United States for external security. The recent valuation of European defense companies on the stock market signals a change.
The U.S. Vice President has confronted European leaders about their countries' fragility. While we can question the U.S.'s legitimacy in discussing freedom and democracy, we cannot ignore the power we've willingly given them in defense and economy. As a European diplomat noted, Americans have stopped pretending that Europeans are important, leaving us in the humiliation of a war being negotiated without our involvement, while still being expected to pay for peace.
The Threats to Our Social State
The world is changing and will demand more from us, even those who believe the periphery protects us. The biggest threat directly impacts the Social State we have built without care, as if resources were infinite. The choice between "guns or butter" is becoming a harsh reality, one that may be masked temporarily by creative accounting in Europe.
Urgent Need for Defense Action
Timely action is still possible, though challenging. The idea of a European army is impractical in this emergency. Each country must reinforce its own defense, especially since the U.S. has made it clear they will no longer protect us as before. Collaborative actions will be difficult, as seen in the summit promoted by Macron.
Economic Growth and Legislative Fury
Meanwhile, European institutions need to foster better growth conditions and stop their legislative frenzy. The European Commission is focusing on the supply side of the economy, promising to reduce administrative costs for companies significantly. However, the speed of these changes may be hindered by existing bureaucratic processes.
The first legislative simplification package targets climate change directives, which companies have criticized for their reporting costs. Balancing noble objectives with the competitiveness of businesses is crucial, as without growth, defense and social welfare cannot coexist.
Simplifying Trade and Regulation
Mário Draghi's article in the Financial Times emphasizes the need to eliminate trade barriers within the EU, which equate to tariffs of 45% on goods and 110% on services. The GDPR has also reduced profits for small tech companies by 12%.
In Portugal, issues like the electricity network and rail transport highlight the incomplete single market and excessive regulations. The original goal of a single market has been overshadowed by regulatory frenzy, making simplification even more urgent, especially as many countries are also cutting regulations.
Political Distractions in Portugal
While the world faces unprecedented threats, debates in Portugal focus on minor issues, giving rise to perceptions of politicians as opportunists. We must prioritize protecting ourselves from the impending storm, addressing our vulnerabilities rather than indulging in insults directed at the U.S. The time has come for us to adapt to a changed world, ensuring our protection and resilience.
Comments
Join Our Community
Create an account to share your thoughts, engage with others, and be part of our growing community.